135
the australian farmer
and loss statement, but when we deliver a tank of water or a truckload of hay, we’re delivering hope too.” That hope arrives amid compounding crises. With many farmers grappling with the aftereffects of drought, bushfire, and flood (sometimes all within a matter of a few years), timely relief can ease both physical and emotional strain. “We’ve heard stories of people so anxious they stop checking their water tanks,” Warlters says. “They’re forced to choose between doing a load of washing or letting someone coming in from the paddock have a shower. It shouldn’t come to that.” While fodder and water are vital, one of the part- nership’s most important contributions is less visible: mental health support. Rural Aid counsellors live and work in regional communities, fostering trust and lowering the barriers to seeking help. Consider the story of a third-generation dairy farmer from Singleton. “He told us he was a little bit broken on the inside, but kept putting on a brave face,” War- lters recalls. “A mate encouraged him to get in touch with us. Now, through regular sessions with a Rural Aid counsellor, he’s in a much better place. He often says he wonders where he’d be if he hadn’t made that call.” These services are about more than just coping; they help individuals stay clear-headed and sup- ported enough to make informed decisions in tough times. “Stress and anxiety are real triggers,” says Warlters. “If we can be there early, we can help pre- vent things from spiralling.”
compared to the average Australian. Farmers also have a significantly elevated suicide risk and face barriers, such as stigma, stoicism, and limited ac- cess to seeking help. That’s why empathy isn’t just a value for Rural Aid; it is essential to how they operate. “It’s a value we live and breathe at Rural Aid,” he says. “And it’s something Woolworths shares. Their generosity, es- pecially since those early drought years, has been consistent, practical, and community-focused.” Woolies marked its centenary last year. The com- pany is reflecting not only on its commercial history, but on the partnerships and community work that underpin its national role, reinforced with the launch of the Woolworths Group Foundation to coordinate fundraising and distribution for natural disaster relief across the country. Woolworths, its team, and customers have donated more than $10 million to Rural Aid since the partner- ship's inception. That’s contributed to Rural Aid's dis- tribution of $125 million in support for farming families and regional communities, a commitment that now continues through the Foundation. “We produce the best food in the world,” says Warlters. “And when our farmers say they need help, the rest of us - city dwellers, everyday Aussies - have a role to play.” That role can be as simple as buying a bale or reach- ing out for support. As Warlters puts it: “We like to think we play a small but really important role. Sometimes, small acts accumulate to saving a life.” If you’re a farmer, simply register today to access support like fodder, water, financial assistance, and mental health services, when you need it most. https://faa.ruralaid.org.au.
Company Info
Play Video
Mental Health Crisis in Agriculture Australian farmers face a unique set of challen- ges. They include higher rates of depression and anxiety (45 per cent and 64 per cent, respectively)
Email Company
Back to Contents
Image Gallery
Powered by FlippingBook